There are many ways to be innovative with your marketing, no matter what field you are in. In this article, I'm going to show you 7 ways to release your inhibitions and begin thinking more creatively. I will also give you some exercises to enhance your creativity. Ready?

1. Common Problem and Its Solution

PA common problem that people have is the inability to think outside of the box or their everyday frame of mind. One of my favorite websites that tackles this is http://www.creativethink.com/. This site will give you a fresh perspective on old ideas, or even help generate new ones.



Take your marketing strategy and try to objectively examine it. Start by looking at what works. Is anything working in your favor? If so, why does it work? Then reserve it. What doesn't work and why? What are three possible solutions to fix each problem? By answering these questions honestly, you have begun the creative process.

2. Imagine

One of my favorite exercises (which I learned in an acting class) is to imagine that you are an object. In this case, imagine you are your product (which in my case isn't that hard, because I am my business). Visualization is a helpful tool in recognizing what needs improvement. What are your attributes? What do you need to look better? What do you need to work more efficiently? Is there something that just doesn't feel right? Make a list of these questions and similar ones, and then answer them. By answering these questions, you will begin to identify with your product, which in turn will help you make it more marketable.

3. Idea Time

To get started on generating ideas, the best way is to just start writing them down. I recommend that you try not to focus on the end result. In this way you'll be more open to whatever stems from your brainstorming.



This is called "free association." Take a word that has to do with your business; it can be the name of your business, the market you are entering, etc., and put it at the top of a piece of paper. Then without thinking, start writing the words that pop into your mind. No matter how ridiculous they seem to you, write them down. It can be anything. There are no wrong answers to this exercise, and this exercise can only be successful if you really write down everything you think of.

Once you're done, take a look at what you wrote down. Can any of these abstract notions become part of your marketing strategy? Could they become a whole new angle?

4. Simplify

People have a tendency to make things more complicated than they need to be. Look at your current marketing plan: Can it be simplified? I"m a firm believer in the saying "Keep it simple." Narrowing the focus of your marketing strategy will often yield positive results.

5. Change

Change is inevitable, but it doesn't have to be a bad thing. Use change to your advantage and help make your marketing plan stronger. How is your demographic changing? Can you move with that change in order to continue to accommodate them? How is society changing? Are there changes that could expand your audience with just a slight tweak of your marketing angle?

6. Resources

There are many places to research marketing; you just have to start thinking outside the box. One of my favorite things to do is flip through the phone book. There is so much to be said for the Yellow Pages. Just open up the book and start exploring the angles. Can you collaborate with any of these businesses? If so, then how? What are their marketing strategies? Who are they marketing to? Examining other successful businesses, and even fostering relationships with them, will help you on your way.

7. Collaborations

This brings me to my last point: Collaboration is your best friend in business. If you are a new business owner, then you need to try and reach a larger audience. Why not kill two birds with one stone and collaborate with someone who already has a large following or clientele? By doing so, you can cut your work in half.



Who will benefit most from your product? This is a good question to keep in mind when looking for collaborators. It's particularly true if you're trying to approach an established business. Remember that they will have their own interests at heart, so they'll want to know how you can help them. A friend of mine used to send postcards to bars that said, "I want to help you sell liquor." Of course his band got the gig! So instead of thinking of ways for you to benefit from others, start thinking of ways they can benefit from you: you're sure to have success.

Where to begin?

No matter what, you have to begin somewhere; otherwise you won't begin at all. Though it does matter where you start, what is most important is THAT you start. Start small if you're nervous about getting your feet wet, but once you start, remember -- you can never stop. This is your business; this is you. And your life and financial future could be counting on it.

About the Author: Ja-Naé is a professional opera singer, as well as, the president/founder of Wild Women Entrepreneurs (Wild WE). Wild WE is an international community that helps extraordinary women achieve their full potential in business and in life. Wild WE has 45 chapters in 6 countries and a radio show. For more information, go to www.thewildwe.com

Labels: marketing